Hello everyone, I would like to get this out there. I AM SORRY, I have been gone for too long and I got side tracked. I was feeling bad as a writer and wanted to try some other stuff. But then I realised I was letting you all down and you guys have been nothing but great to me, so I am back, and I am dedicated to keep this story alive. Please enjoy and leave a review. NOW ON WITH THE SHOW
Unknown locations
A crowded bar called the electric dance was buzzing with life tonight. The famous bar was located on the mid sector on the planet of Coruscant. Its outside was nothing special to look at, like most sub level buildings it was made of concrete. Its windows where flashing with multiple colours and the sign that was above the door was a neon Twi'Lek kicking one of her legs up and down.
Inside however was much more exciting. The various life forms inside were doing their own activities. Some, where simply drinking after a hard day's work in the manufactory sector. Many bounty hunters lounged round the bounty board looking for their next target. Lasty some just came to see the skimpy clad Twi'lek dancers the bar was well known for.
Many of the bars' inhabitants however were crowded around one table as they placed bets and threw their fists in the air. On one side of the table was a very frustrated looking Quarren, his one good eye looking at the Dejarik table in front of him. He pushed two buttons on his side of the table and watched as his Scrimp attacked his opponents Ng'ok.
He chuckled as he watched the piece disappear from the table and looked at his opponent across the table. "How do you like that Naruto". Naruto watched silently as his piece was taken off the table. The now seventeen year old Naruto ran a hand through his blond hair, his fingers lingered slightly over his padawan braid before his thoughts where interrupted. "Here Naruto, this ones on me" he looked over his shoulder to see a green Twi,lek head his way with a tray with a drink on it. He watched as she placed a blue drink in a martini glass on the table for him. "A blue razz Martini thanks Mili, you're the best".
She put her arms round his neck and placed a small peck on his cheek and smiled "Don't you go forgetting it" He grinned and watched as she walked back to the bar. Watching as her hips swayed with the beat of the club's music. "Hey pretty boy, you playing the game or what" Growled the Quarren. He looked back to the quarren and sighed. "Sorry Tim Bore, I was taking a nice break from looking at your ugly mug" All the spectators laughed and slapped Naruto on the back.
"Just make your move pretty boy" Naruto grinned and pushed some buttons on his side of the table and watched in glee as his peace put Tim Bore in check. "It appears that's game Tim Bore" Many in the crowd cheered as they watched Naruto win. Some however sulked as they handed out money after losing their bets. Tim Bore looked at Naruto who was grinning and started pulling a pile of credits over to his side of the table. He seethed with raged and quickly stood up pulling out a blaster. He pointed it at Naruto and growled. "No way punk, you cheated somehow. No one has ever bested me at Dejarik, you must have used a jedi mind trick or something"
The club grew silent as they watched it all unfold. The music was brought to a stop and the Twi'lek dancers all got on the ground with their hands on their head. Naruto's grin died as he looked at Tim Bore. He stood up and Tim Bore moved his blaster up to Naruto's level. "It doesn't take a jedi to beat you Tim, you just suck at the game".
Tim growled before he shot a bolt at Naruto's feet. "Shut it punk, I am leaving with those credits and you aint gonna stop me". Naruto laughed and grabbed the hilt of his sabre "oh is that so Tim" Tim saw Naruto reach for his sabre and quickly grabbed Mili and held the blaster to her head. "Don't move jedi, or the woman gets it" Naruto's eyes narrowed as he watched Tim move closer to the pile of credits. "No one do anything stupid, and the girl will live" Naruto looked to the other side of the room at the bounty hunters. He could see they all had hands on their blasters ready to spring into action. He quickly used the force to throw a chair at Tim.
The chair smacked into the back of him causing him to fall on the floor and let Mili go. The second it happened all the bounty hunters pointed their weapons at Tim as he crawled towards his blaster. As he reached it a black boot came stomping on his hand, causing it to break. He yelled in pain before looking up at a furious Naruto. "Take my credits fair enough man but hurt one of my friends … well let's just say all bets are off" He looked to the bounty hunters and nodded his head. "If you guys "Take him out Back" The credits I won are yours" Two of the bounty hunters stepped forward and grabbed Tim off the floor before taking him to the back entrance of the bar. They were bounty hunters; they knew what Naruto meant when he said take him out back like that.
He lent down and held a handout to Mili. "Need a hand little miss" The Twi'lek grinned and accepted the hand. He pulled her up and looked her over. "You're not hurt are you" She put a hand on her hip and huffed "I am fine, thanks to you" he grinned and grabbed his drink from before and held it Infront of her.
"Just paying you back for the drink. Think nothing of it" She laughed and was about to respond when the bar door slid open revealing Plo Koon. Naruto sighed and shook his head. "Great, now am in trouble, I will see you later Mili. I have a feeling my master wants to scold me" She giggled before running over to the bar to get back to her work.
"How many times have I told you not to go too far from the temple padawan" Naruto turned to face his master and gave a weak smile. "Honestly master I have lost count". Plo Koon frowned and shook his head "As have I, come along now. The council have an assignment for you" he turned to leave the bar quickly causing Naruto to jog to catch up to him "oh the council have a job for little old me, are you not coming". Plo Koon shook his head "No I have other matters that need my attention. What have you been doing down here anyway"?
They heard a blaster shot in the distance and Naruto cringed "Oh erm nothing master, just having some fun with the locals you know". Plo Koon sighed and shook his head once again "Likely story my Padawan, I don't understand why you feel the need to come down here. We are given a great chance to live on the surface of this world, yet you decide to be here on the sub levels."
Naruto put his hand behind his head as they kept walking. "It's interesting down here Master. Besides there is so much you can learn from people down here. Bounty hunters and merchants come all over the galaxy to places like this. A great source of information and contacts if you ask me" Plo Koon hopped into his speeder and watched Naruto get in on the other side. "While that is true Naruto it does not mean you should spend all your free time here".
Naruto grinned and looked out the speeder window. "Yep, I know but as I said its fun, I feel easy down here. People here see me for who I am. The temple is full of people who don't trust me. Whereas down here I feel accepted … I feel valued".
"I understand Naruto, but you have a duty to the order. You can't let such feelings motivate you, you need to be found at a moment's notice. Do you remember what I said to you the day I chose you as my padawan".
Naruto sighed as he looked out the window to the busy street of Coruscant. "Yes, master I do".
Flash back six years ago
Naruto batted a blue lightsabre away from him before he jumped up and span wildly in the air with his sabre outstretched. Anakin grunted and started swatting Naruto's black sabre away from him while he was in the air. Anakin jumped away getting some distance between him and Naruto. He watched as Naruto ran at him before jumping and slashing downwards with is sabre. Anakin side stepped and went to slice at Naruto's left. Naruto rolled forward however and stood back up. He turned quickly and pointed his sabre at Anakin's throat. "I got you Anakin".
Anakin grinned and looked down. "You sure about that Naruto" Naruto followed his line of sight to see Anakin's Sabre pointed at his liver. Naruto narrowed his eyes grunted "A draw then" Anakin laughed and stepped away. "Sure, a draw, let's call it a day Naruto".
Naruto watched as Anakin walked away rolling his shoulders. "I can go again, I aint tired" Anakin stopped and looked over his shoulder to Naruto. "Man, Naruto you need to chill. You have your initiate trial this afternoon. You should be resting". Naruto got into his fighting stance and began to go through some forms. "Yeah, I know but I can't relax. I must be the best so at least one Master picks me." Anakin sighed before sitting on one of the courtyard steps to watch Naruto practice his new form. "You have already Mastered three of the seven forms Naruto. That's practically unheard-of man, you don't need a fourth. Some one is bound to pick you today."
Naruto stopped and shut off his lightsabre before walking over to Anakin. "Yeah, I guess, I'm just nervous. All I have ever wanted was to be a jedi and hopefully one day be the grand master of the order. This is the first step in my journey, and I can't help but feel nervous and crazy exited" Anakin laughed and slapped Naruto on the back. "Yeah, you have always been energetic, but ever since they announced you would take part in the initiate trials you have been going none stop. You are still only eleven Naruto, there is still plenty of time to get a Master."
Naruto sighed before rubbing the back of his head in frustration. "Ah I hate it when your right. Fine I will chill out a bit, so how are things with your master. It feels like years since I have seen you" Anakin groaned and rubbed his eyes "Things are crazy Naruto, I never get to rest. Obi-Won has me training ever day. Even when where off planet he puts me through the mill. Stay a youngling longer Naruto believe me its easier."
Naruto Laughed and punched Anakin on the arm "Come on am sure its not that bad. Besides you knew Obi-Won way before you were his Padawan. I'm sure he makes you work hard because he cares." Anakin grumbled something under his breath, he was about to lean back and lie down before they heard steps approach them. "Naruto Uzumaki, you have been summoned to the training hall for the Initiate Trials" They both snapped their attention behind them to see a temple guard standing by the courtyards entrance.
"Really already, I thought I had more time" The guard remained silent and simple gestured to the courtyard exit. Naruto Sighed before he jumped up and heading towards the guard. He stopped and turned around to face Anakin and grinned. "Wish me luck … slave boy". Anakin laughed and shook his head "Like I would wish any luck to a bloodthirsty Mando" Naruto laughed and waved at Anakin before walking out, the guard following not far behind.
As Naruto walked the halls of the temple, he couldn't help but feel the difference in the atmosphere. The temple was livelier than usual. Youngling ran up and down the halls eager to watch the initiates in their trials. Knights walked with a quicker pace then usual, each one with thoughtful of expressions. Of course, most of the order would be in attendance, some hopeful to gain a padawan of their own.
He finally arrived at the training hall and was greeted to the sight of the initiate trials. Seats had been erected on each side of the hall. All full of Jedi knights and masters. The centre was covered in a large blue matt with a white ring drawn on the centre. The grand council where all present, even the crude master ki adi mundi was there. All of them were lined up in the centre of the matt. Yoda of course stood in the centre of the ring and looked around the hall. He smiled when he saw Naruto enter and he pointed his walking stick to the line of initiates on the right side of the matt.
Naruto headed over to the group and stood at the very end. He looked down to the line to his right and smiled when he seen a familiar face. Myker was looking ahead with a serious expression, no doubt nervous about the trial. He looked to his left and caught sight of Naruto, he gave him a firm nod of his head and looked ahead once again. The rumbling in the hall stopped when the sound of a cane tapping on the ground echoed in the hall.
Everyone watched as Yoda looked to the gathered jedi and smiled "Gathered we all have, to witness the initiate trials. Younglings are to present their skills of the sabre, mind, and body. Pass or fail is not the goal, but to show how far you have grown as a youngling. If growth is shown, a knight or master may step forth, and claim a padawan" All the younglings begun to talk amongst them selves in excited whispers. The knights however only looked on with serious expressions. Yoda pointed his cane to the far side of the matt, where a smiling Kit Fisto could be seen bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"Dual Master Kit Fisto you will, remember the goal Is not to win. But to show growth and maturity. We shall begin with Myker" Myker stepped forward into the ring while the other initiates knelt on the edge of the blue matt. Myker final got to the centre of the ring and stood in front of master Fisto. They both bowed to one another before reaching for there lightsabres and bringing them to life. Myker got into his starting stance of form Shii-cho and grinned. Master Fisto got into his stance, from the looks of It, it was form shien.
Fisto Matched Mykers grin before he lunged for the youngling. Naruto watched with bated breath as Myker dualled Master Fisto. Myker batted away his green lightsabre with his blue one causing Fisto to spin around on the spot. Making his green head tails to whip out at Myker. Myker stepped back and took up his guard, he circled the ring and watched Fisto intently. "Ah so you have learned patients young one, waiting for me to strike is smart." Fisto lunged at Myker and slammed his sabre down on Myker, causing him to block it above his head. Fisto kicked Myker in the stomach causing his to move backwith a grunt. He was hunched over holding his stomach, but he didn't take his eyes off the green master.
He took a deep breath before standing up straight and adjusting his form. He approached Fisto and swept his lightsabre up in a wide arch. Fisto caught the sabre with his own but was caught off guard when Myker kicked his foot, causing him to go off balance slightly. Fisto was now on one knee and was finally level with Myker. Myker grinned in satisfaction, he pushed down on Fisto with his sabre. His arms trembled and soon he was getting pushed back.
"Very good youngling Myker, you have studied form Shii cho well. But I'm afraid this is a fight you cannot yet win" With that being Fisto pushed up causing Myker to throw his arms in the air. Master Fisto Span on his knee and pointed his sabre and Myker's stomach. Myker looked down and sighed before shutting his lightsabre off. Master Fisto stood up and put his hand on Myker's shoulder "You did well youngling, I am sure a knight or master would be glad to have you as a padawan" Myker smiled back up at him before they both began to look round the room. Yoda stepped forward and addressed the assembly.
"Very good indeed, Master Fisto. Now would anyone claim Myker as a Padawan" There was a pregnant pause in the hall. The only thing that could be heard where the low mummers of jedi talking amongst themselves. The silence was soon ended when a lone jedi stood to address the crowed. "I will take on the youngling." Everyone snapped their attention to the source of the voice. They watched as a zabrak male jedi climbed down the spectators' stairs and approach the duelling matt.
"Ah Master Koth take on young Myker, you will?" The now named Eeth Koth smiled and looked to Myker. "I will do so gladly Master Yoda" Myker couldn't help but smile and bowed to his new master. The pair of them quickly left the matt to stand off to the side and watch the next initiates take part in the trial. Naruto couldn't help but smile too. Myker got a great mentor if what he heard about master Koth was true. He and Myker may have not got on well in the beginning, but he could say they somewhat had a friendly rivalry going on.
Naruto proceeded to watch initiate after initiate take part in their duals. All of them had been very exciting, a lot of his fellow youngling had done well. Sadly, not everyone had gotten a Mentor today, he was starting to get nervous. He was the youngest there, what if no one wanted to train him. He was after all not well liked by many in the other. He was broken from his thoughts when he heard Yoda announce his name. he looked up from his shaking hand and could see everyone was now looking at him. He nervously got up and began to walk to the dual ring where Fisto waited for him.
"Ah young Naruto, I have heard good things about you. I am eager for this spar" He gave Master Fisto a weak smile before bowing. They both finished the bow and began to take on their forms. He could tell from all the other spar's he had seen Fisto favoured form Shien. Naruto took out his lightsabre and started it up, quickly getting into form Soresu. Fisto's eyes widened slightly when he took notice of his form and then started to grin. "I see you have been paying attention to my duals Naruto, but knowing my form won't help you win this fight" Naruto shook his head and gripped his sabre tighter. "Your right it won't, but It will certainly help my odds" Fisto laughed and began to walk towards Naruto.
He quickly jabbed his sabre at Naruto, causing him to slap his black sabre against Fisto's green one. The sabres where now locked which made Naruto stepp into Fisto's guard, he pulled his sabre along Fisto's and thrust towards Fisto's stomach. The Green Master jumped back to get away from the sabre and create some distance between him and Naruto. He narrowed his eyes at Naruto and watched as he stood still. "You're not going to attack me youngling" Naruto shook his head and remined in position.
"Very well then" Fisto ran at Naruto and slid on his knees, holing out his sabre with intent to slice Naruto's legs. Naruto jumped up and evaded Fisto's blade, however Fisto span was quickly on his feet and began to slice at Naruto. Naruto grunted as his sabre moved left and right, quickly meeting Fisto's strikes. He feinted swinging right which made Fisto guard his left. Naruto quickly changed the course of his sabre to go left but Fisto was quicker and caught his blade. They both ground their teeth as they pushed on there locked blades. Naruto kicked out and hit Fisto's knee making the man buckle. Naruto, now level with Fisto moved his sabre right making fisto extend his arms exposing his stomach. Naruto once again went to kick Fisto, but his leg was met with a firm hand.
Fisto lifted his knee up causing Naruto to fall back and land on his back. While doing that Fisto span his sabre making Naruto twist his grip on his own sabre. He felt the sabre slip out of his palm and he heard it deactivate. He quickly went to grab it but he seen it float away from him and into the open palm of Fisto. "Very impressive young one, very impressive indeed" He lent down and handed Naruto's lightsabre back to him. Naruto stood up and dusted himself off.
He watched as Yoda walked to the centre of the ring and looked once again to the gathered Jedi. "Any here, who could claim young Naruto hmm?" Naruto looked on nervously, all the jedi quickly began to look away, most looked to their feet not meeting Yoda's gaze. Others talked amongst themselves, at the display of Naruto's prowess. It was agony for Naruto, he quickly looked down in sadness when he concluded that no one would want to take him as a Padawan.
"I would like to take him as my Padawan."
Naruto looked up in shock, he heard the hushed frantic whispers of the gathered jedi. He watched with wide eyes as Master Mace Windu stepped forward and peered down at Yoda. Yoda smiled and nodded at Windu. "Well, if no one else there is, I be-
"Master Yoda, a moment" Naruto, Yoda and Windu watched as Plo Koon made his way over to the group at a steady pace. He stopped at the edge of the matt and looked at Yoda. "I believe I will be a better mentor for young Naruto" The halls whispers turned into loud conversation as two masters petitioned for the right to take Naruto as a Padawan. "With respect Master Plo Koon, I believe I can teach the boy more then you can" Plo Koon tapped his long nails on his face mask and shook his head. "I believe I am a better mentor for him. I have watched him grow and I have first hand experience already teaching him the ways of the Jedi."
Yoda chuckled at the two master's before looking at a Stunned Naruto. "Well young Naruto, who do you believe, the better choice is?" Naruto dumbly looked between the two master's that wanted to teach him and was honestly shocked. This was actually happening; he was getting a Master to be his mentor. "Only I can teach him to properly control his emotions. We know he is wild, and his emotions could potentially lead him to the dark side" Finished Windu. Plo Koon Narrowed his wrinkled brow and shook his head. "I am more then capable of guiding Naruto when it comes to emotions Master Windu. However, he is more then just an emotional mess. He is a gifted and talented youngling and I have had the pleasure to help guid him already. I merely want help guid him further."
Naruto smiled at Plo Koons words; he was right. He was more than a emotional mess and Plo Koon had always been a teacher he looked up to. "Master Yoda, I believe I have made my decision." Everyone waited eagerly to hear what the young blond had to say. Naruto looked to Mace Windu and bowed "I thank you Master Windu for your offer. However, I believe Plo Koon would be the better choice for me. It is not for your lack of skill or wisdom please know that. I just believe he will have a better understanding of me and how I learn" Windu's frown quickly melted into a small smile and quickly bowed to Naruto. "Very well young Uzumaki, while I am saddened to know I will not be the one guiding you. I am sure Master Plo will do a great job. Learn well under his guidance, and know I am always available to teach you a thing or two" He watched as Mace left and disappeared into the jedi crowed, he looked back to Plo Koon and smiled.
"Master Plo, it would be an honour to have you as my master" Plo smiled if his cheeks rising where any indication. "The honour is mine Naruto, come along now. The Initiate trials are finally over, it is time to begin your real training." Naruto smiled and got into pace with Plo Koon as they exited the training hall. "Naruto, now that you're my Padawan I will expect certain things from you. All I ask is that you take your training seriously. Be honest with not only with me but yourself." Naruto Smiled as he looked up at Plo Koon. "I promise I won't let you down master" Plo Stopped and put a hand on his shoulder "Remember padawan, our first duty is to the order. There will come a time where I will no longer be your master, however before that time I need you to be found at moment's notice. I need you to give your all and more importantly… never give up."
Naruto smiled even brighter up at Plo, small tears streaming down his cheeks. "I promise Master no matter what, I won't give up. I promise I will make you proud and one day I will be the grand master of the order… Believe it."
Flash Back End
Naruto smiled out the window of the speeder as he though back on that day. "Yeah, master I remember, I'm sorry ok. Even after all this time I still feel like an outsider in the order, I just needed a break." Plo sighed in his mask and slowly landed at the Jedi temple. "There is no need to be sorry, I understand it isn't easy. However, you are far stronger than you think, in mind and body. One day everyone will realise who you are, not just what you are. I'm afraid the way of the jedi does not leave us for much leisure time. The galaxy does not stop moving, so neither can we."
They both hopped out of the speeder and finally began the walk towards the grand council. "However, that does not mean we cannot enjoy life as best we can." Plo tapped Naruto on his shoulder and Naruto looked up at him. Plo Koon pointed to a blue Twi'Lek walking there way and Naruto grinned up at Plo Koon. The Twi lek walked with a slight sway in her hip. He brown head wrapping doing little to stop her tails swinging as she walked. She was the same height and age as Naruto, and her exposed toned stomach caught Naruto's eye.
As they walked past her Naruto flashed her a grin and spoke "Hey Aayla, you're looking as beautiful as ever" the now named Aalya groaned in frustration and closed her eyes. "Naruto, do you have to say that every time you see me" Naruto held his hands out and smiled. "What, can't a jedi compliment another jedi on her beauty" Her blue cheeks flushed pink, and she shook her head in frustration "Ah you're so stupid Naruto" Naruto laughed at her outburst before she huffed and stomped off. "Your right master we should have a little fun when we can" Plo Koon smiled and began to walk again to the council chamber's. "You know Master, I though you would have frowned on my little crush with Aayla, you know being the stern rule keeper you are."
Plo Koon nodded and kept his quick pace to the council chambers "While I don't approve of your behaviour, I understand you are a growing human. Your hormones are changing at your age, it is in your biology to feel the way you do. As long as its teasing or fun I do not mind, however that is what it shall stay as."
Naruto sighed and rolled his eyes "Yeah yeah because love is forbidden in the order, I get it. But doesn't that suck, I mean its as you said it's our biology, we can't help it." Plo stopped at the council chambers elevator and looked down at Naruto. "Feeling emotions is not forbidden in the jedi order my padawan. However, latching onto them and letting them guid you are. Many in the order think as you do, however they understand love leads to the fear of losing it and fear is the path to the darkside."
Naruto sighed and got into the elevator with Plo. He Pushed the button on the panel to the side and felt the elevator began to move. "Do not worry Padawan, you will in time learn to control your emotions as I have. Believe me it is hard but worth it. My species mate once every year, we feel an intense fire inside of us and the biological urge is intense. Only through intense meditation and focus can we overcome it."
Naruto whistled and shook his head. "Damn Master that's rough, ok if you can go through that I am sure I can do it" Plo Smiled at him "I know you can Naruto". The elevator stopped and the doors hissed open, revealing a seated jedi council. They made there way over to the centre of the room. Plo Koon went over to his council seat and sat down, now all in the room looked to Naruto.
Naruto bowed and looked to the masters in the room. "You have an assignment for me master" Mace Windu not wasting any time got to the point of the assignment. "Yes we do Naruto, as you may know tensions are rising between the republic and the confederacy of independent systems. Negotiations are going to be held between both parties to see if the issues can be resolve and hopefully prevent a war."
Naruto nodded along with what master Windu was saying, he did hear from smugglers a while back that there was some dispute over trade routes in the mid rim. "As jedi it is our way to keep the peace, Master Plo Koon believe your diplomacy has gotten better over the years under his guidance. So, we are sending you to oversee these proceedings and represent the jedi." Naruto was shocked beyond belief, was he really going into these talks as a representative of the jedi. "O-ok master I believe I am up for the task, I will act with the galaxies best interest in mind, and I will only step in if I need to" Windu nodded and leaned back in his chair, his frown not leaving his face. "Very good, prepare to meet captain typhon of the senate guard tomorrow at sunrise. We expect this to take no longer than a week." Naruto bowed to the master and began to make his way to the exit. He stopped and turned to the masters. "Master Windu, where will these talks be taking place" Windu stern as ever looked Naruto in the eye and spoke his final words in the meeting.
"Neutral ground… Mandalore."
Wow what a chapter, thanks for reading guys. Let me know what you think and let me hear your theories what you think is gonna happen. Thanks again for reading, liking and reviewing. Stay posted for more. LATER
